Pre-pregnancy Weight Research Articles

High maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with increased offspring peer-relationship problems at 5 years

BackgroundPeer relationships are an important aspect of child development that are often overlooked. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) may influence peer relationships through intrauterine mechanisms affecting fetal neurodevelopment or through postnatal mechanisms including social discrimination of the obese mother/child. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and child peer-relationship problems around 5 years old, including preterm and term-born children.Methods and findingsMaternal BMI and offspring peer-relationship problems were assessed in participants of three French birth cohorts: EDEN (n = 1,184 children born at term), ELFE (n = 10,889 children born ≥33 weeks of gestation) and EPIPAGE-2 (n = 2,646 children born 23–34 weeks of gestation). Reported or measured pre-pregnancy weight (kg) and height (m) were collected from mothers and used to calculate BMI (kg/m2). Offspring peer-relationship problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 5.5 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of a high peer-relationship problem score (≥3) in EDEN and ELFE, and generalized estimated equations were used in EPIPAGE-2 to account for the large number of multiple births. Paternal BMI was used as a negative control in sensitivity analyses. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased odds of a high peer-relationship problem score in all three cohorts, independent of confounding factors [adjusted OR 2.27 (1.32, 3.88); 1.52 (1.29, 1.78); 1.44 (1.04, 1.99); for EDEN, ELFE and EPIPAGE-2, respectively]. Additional analysis based on negative controls (i.e., adjusting for paternal BMI) showed the same pattern of associations.ConclusionHigh maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with greater likelihood of a high peer-relationship trouble score in offspring around 5 years of age in both children born preterm and at term.

Dietary Pattern Influences Gestational Weight Gain: Results from the ProcriAr Cohort Study-São Paulo, Brazil.

The maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) influence maternal and infant outcomes. This study identified patterns of habitual dietary intake in 385 pregnant women in São Paulo and explored their associations with excessive weight gain (EGWG). Weight at the first visit (<14 weeks) was used as a proxy for pre-pregnancy weight. Food consumption was assessed using the 24HR method, administered twice at each gestational trimester, and dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Vegetables and Fruits,” “Western,” and “Brazilian Traditional.” Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies for each independent variable and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to analyze excessive gestational gain weight (EGWG) and dietary patterns (DP). The Brazilian Traditional dietary pattern showed a protective effect on EGWG (p = 0.04) and age > 35 years (p = 0.03), while subjects overweight at baseline had a higher probability of EGWG (p = 0.02), suggesting that the identification of dietary and weight inadequacies should be observed from the beginning of pregnancy, accompanied by nutritional intervention and weight monitoring throughout the gestational period to reduce risks to the mother and child’s health.

Validation of updated antenatal vaginal birth after caesarean section prediction model without race and ethnicity in Australia.

The Grobman antenatal nomogram to predict likelihood of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) has been validated in multiple institutions. However, due to concerns regarding inclusion of ethnicity, a new nomogram has been developed. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity in a regional hospital in Australia. This was a retrospective cohort study of women electing to have a VBAC at a regional hospital over a nine-year period. Maternal demographics and obstetric outcomes were collected. Women were assigned a predicted likelihood of successful VBAC using the updated Grobman nomogram, with variables such as age, pre-pregnancy weight, height and arrest disorder as indications for previous caesarean birth, previous vaginal birth, previous VBAC and treated chronic hypertension. The predicted likelihood of successful VBAC was compared with actual successful VBAC rates. A total of 541 women attempted VBAC with a VBAC success rate of 74.3% (402/541). The nomogram demonstrated good fit, with a receiver operating curve area under the curve of 0.707 (95% confidence interval 0.659-0.755). Using a cut-off value of 0.5, the success rate of classification with this model was 74.3%. On comparing each predicted decile, the nomogram performed poorly in those predicted to have a <40% chance of successful VBAC. This study confirms the use of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity, alongside usual counselling, to provide individualised advice for informed decision-making. However, clinicians should be mindful of the limitation of poor accuracy in women with a low predicted probability of VBAC.

Non-Linear and Sex-Specific Effect of Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI on Emotional and Behavioral Development of Preschool Children: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

(1) Background: The aim was to examine the non-linear and sex-specific outcomes of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on emotional and behavioral development of preschool children; (2) Methods: This study was based on the China-Anhui Birth Cohort (C-ABCS), including 3648 mother–child pairs. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated from the maternal pre-pregnancy height and weight measured at the first antenatal checkup. Main caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess children’s preschool emotional and behavioral development. A restricted cubic spline model was drawn using Stata version 15.1 to analyze the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and preschoolers’ SDQ scores by sex; (3) Results: Among boys, maternal pre-pregnancy underweight was associated with the increased risk of conduct problems and pro-social behaviors, and pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity related with the increased risk of peer problems. Interestingly, when maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was between 18.50 kg/m2 and 18.67 kg/m2, boys had the increased risk of conduct problems. When pre-pregnancy BMI was between 18.50 kg/m2 and 19.57 kg/m2, boys had the increased risk of pro-social problems. No significant associations were observed; (4) Conclusions: A non-linear effect of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI on emotional and behavioral development has been found in preschool boys. In particular, pre-pregnancy normal weight may still affect boys’ emotional and behavioral development.

Risk of preeclampsia by gestational weight gain in women with varied prepregnancy BMI: A retrospective cohort study.

IntroductionDespite the important clinical significance, limited data on the joint contribution of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) to preeclampsia, the second leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the risk of preeclampsia by GWG among women with varied prepregnancy BMI.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data of 117 738 singleton pregnant women aged 18–49 years from 150 maternity hospitals in China between 2015 and 2018. GWG was calculated as the measured weight at the time of preeclampsia assessment minus prepregnancy weight; GWG velocity was calculated as the GWG divided by the gestational age at weighing. The non-linear associations of GWG with preeclampsia were examined by restricted cubic spline regression analysis according to prepregnancy BMI. The association of the GWG categories with preeclampsia was further examined by performing robust Poisson regression stratified by the prepregnancy BMI categories.ResultsAmong participants, 2426 (2.06%) were diagnosed with preeclampsia. Compared to women with normal BMI, those who were overweight and obese had 1.92- fold (95%CI, 1.73–2.14) and 5.06- fold (95%CI, 4.43–5.78) increased risks for preeclampsia, respectively. The association of GWG velocity with preeclampsia was presented as a J-shaped curve with the varied inflexion point (where the rate of preeclampsia was 2%), which was 0.54, 0.38, and 0.25 kg/week in women with normal BMI, overweight, and obesity, respectively; a steep risk rise was observed along with GWG velocity beyond the inflexion points. The overall adjusted relative risk for preeclampsia was calculated among women with the different GWG categories of GWG.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that high prepregnancy BMI and exceed GWG contributed to increased risk of preeclampsia with a superimposed effect and underscore the need to optimize the recommendations for GWG for women with different prepregnancy BMI.

Postpartum Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) Changes among Exclusive Breastfeeding and Non-Exclusively Breastfeeding Mothers of 6-Months Postpartum

Introduction: Failure to return to pre-pregnancy weight after pregnancy may be one of the contributing factors to obesity that might impact women’s health in the long term. The main objective of this study was to observe and compare postpartum body weight and BMI changes between exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding mothers of 6-months postpartum. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted online via Google form related to breastfeeding practises of mothers in Malaysia that were recruited via simple random sampling. Invitation to fill in the form was distributed via identified breastfeeding support group on the social media platform . The participants’ pre-pregnancy and 6-months postpartum weight were self-reported, meanwhile the participants’ 1-month postpartum weight were recorded based on antenatal book record. All variables were described using Descriptive analyses. Independent T-test was used to assess the difference in weight and BMI changes between exclusively and non-exclusively breastfed mothers. Result: A total of 116 mothers were included based on the selection criteria using simple random sampling across Malaysia. 70% of the participants in this study practised exclusive breastfeeding (n = 81). Exclusively breastfeeding mothers showed decreasing postpartum weight (-1.04 ± 4.66 kg) changes whilst non-exclusively breastfeeding mothers of 6-months postpartum showed an increasing pattern (0.32 ± 4.25 kg). However, there was no significant difference in postpartum weight and BMI changes between these two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study found no significant difference in postpartum body weight and BMI changes in exclusively breastfed and non-exclusively breastfeed mothers at 6-months postpartum.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Normal Prepregnant Weight.

Existing studies focusing on the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) combined with normal prepregnant weight on pregnancy outcomes are limited. This study aimed to explore the relationship between maternal NAFLD and adverse pregnancy outcomes in different body mass index (BMI) groups. Using an antenatal care and delivery database, we retrospectively analyzed women who delivered in Minhang Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2020. NAFLD was confirmed by ultrasound in early pregnancy. A logistic regression model with adjustment for confounders was used to examine potential associations between NAFLD and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 14 708 pregnant women (mean prepregnant BMI 21.0 [SD, 2.8] kg/m2) were included in our final study, of whom 554 (3.8%) had NAFLD. After fully adjusting for potential confounders, NAFLD significantly increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio 2.477; 95% CI, 1.885-3.254), gestational hypertension (3.054; 2.191-4.257), preeclampsia/eclampsia (3.994; 2.591-6.005), cesarean section (1.569; 1.315-1.872), preterm births (1.831; 1.229-2.727), and macrosomia (1.691; 1.300-2.198). It is notable that 83.9% (12 338) of women were of normal weight at the start of pregnancy (prepregnant 18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m2), and they still had higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with NAFLD and a normal weight have a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with NAFLD, regardless of obesity status, should be offered a more qualified surveillance to optimize pregnancy outcomes.

WEIGHT CHANGES IN GRAVIDAE CONCEIVING WITH ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (ART) IN MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES

The amount of weight gained during pregnancy can have immediate and long-term effects on the future health of the pregnant person and their offspring. However, longitudinal prospective datasets which allow for interrogation of pre-pregnancy weight, weight change throughout pregnancy, and weight at time of delivery over multiple ART pregnancies are sparse. We sought to examine how these variables vary from pregnancy to pregnancy in gravidae who have conceived more than once with ART.

A conceptual framework for nutritional evaluation, screening, and monitoring of pregnant women: Evidence from a Brazilian cohort of nulliparous women.

The present review comes from five previous studies of a multicenter cohort of nulliparous pregnant women from different regions of Brazil. The first study showed a wide difference in consumption of industrialized foods among women from the south and southeast regions compared with northeastern women who chose to eat a healthier diet with fresh natural food. The second investigation intended to understand maternal eating habits, where five dietary patterns were identified: two considered healthy and three with excess protein, ultra-processed foods, fats, and sweets. Considering some barriers to classifying nutrition status during prenatal care, when data on pre-pregnancy weight is unknown, the third study developed a tool to identify three levels of risk for each gestational age range, assessed by measuring arm circumference. Applying those new tools, the associations between maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes were investigated: prematurity, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and small-for-gestational-age infants. From these analyses, a predictive model was developed indicating that obesity, non-white color, and dietary pattern with excess protein consumption were associated with a greater probability of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, the potential of the intergenerational influence of head circumference as a proxy for maternal nutrition was analyzed. Using a Path Analysis method, the model was evidenced by different socioeconomic variables. Finally, understanding the complexity of the nutritional assessment, the present conceptual framework was proposed for nutritional assessment, and tracking and monitoring of pregnant women.

Analysis of the Influence of Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Weight Gain during Pregnancy on the Weight of Healthy Children during the First 2 Years of Life: A Prospective Study.

Background: Increased pre-pregnancy maternal BMI (pBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) have been found to increase infants’ birthweight and result in the programming of child weight and impact its later weight gain. Aim: To assess the impact of pBMI and GWG on the weight of children from birth to 2 years of age and over the duration of breastfeeding. Methods: Single Centre observational prospective longitudinal cohort study. Data were collected from medical records, and medical history. The analysis of multiple linear and mixed models was involved. Findings: 20% of females were overweight, while 13% were obese before the pregnancy. An overall model, including gender and smoking, indicated a significant impact of pBMI category on a child’s birth mass (p = 0.01). The GWG category affected a child’s birth weight (p = 0.018, Effect size 0.41). pBMI did not affect the breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: pBMI and GWG correlate with birth weight and weight in neonatal period, however they become insignificant in later childhood. Weight assessment methods among children aged up to two years of age require standardization. Maternal weight before the pregnancy nor the weight gain during the pregnancy do not influence the length of breastfeeding. The biggest limitation was the small sample size and the failure to account for weight gain per trimester of pregnancy. Further research on a larger population should be continued.

Associations of individual and cumulative urinary phthalate and replacement biomarkers with gestational weight gain through late pregnancy

Background/aimsPhthalates and their replacements are endocrine/metabolic disruptors that may impact gestational weight gain (GWG) – a pregnancy health indicator. We investigated overall and fetal sex-specific associations of individual and cumulative phthalate/replacement biomarkers with GWG. MethodsIllinois women (n = 299) self-reported their weight pre-pregnancy and at their final obstetric appointment before delivery (median 38 weeks). We calculated pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational age-specific GWG z-scores (GWGz). We quantified 19 phthalate/replacement metabolites (representing 10 parent compounds) in pools of up-to-five first-morning urine samples, collected approximately monthly between 8 and 40 weeks gestation. We used linear regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGComp), and weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) to evaluate associations of ten biomarkers (individual metabolites or parent molar-sums) individually or as mixtures (in interquartile range intervals) with GWGz. We evaluated associations in all women and stratified by fetal sex. ResultsIndividually, sums of metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ƩDEHP), di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (ƩDiNCH), and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (ƩDEHTP) had consistent inverse associations with GWGz, and some associations were fetal sex-specific. When evaluating phthalates/replacements as a mixture, QGComp identified ƩDEHP, ƩDEHTP, and mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, along with sum of di(isononyl) phthalate metabolites (ƩDiNP) and monobenzyl phthalate as notable contributors to lower and higher GWGz, respectively, resulting in a marginal inverse joint association in all women (β: −0.29; 95% CI: −0.70, 0.12). In women carrying females, ƩDEHP contributed to the marginal inverse joint association (β: −0.54; 95% CI: −1.09, 0.03). However, there was no overall association in women carrying males (β: 0.00; 95% CI: −0.60, 0.59), which was explained by approximately equal negative (driven by ƩDEHTP) and positive (driven by ƩDiNP) partial associations. WQSR analyses consistently replicated these QGComp findings. ConclusionsBiomarkers of phthalates/replacements were fetal sex-specifically associated with GWGz. Because ƩDEHTP contributed substantively to mixture associations, additional studies in pregnant women may be needed around this plasticizer replacement.

Pre-Pregnancy Excess Weight Association with Maternal Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Maternal Perinatal Outcomes.

Background: Pre-pregnancy excess weight is an important factor for adverse maternal perinatal outcomes; however, data for Greek women remain limited. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the relation between pre-pregnant weight status and sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and maternal perinatal outcomes. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 5133 healthy women were enrolled from nine different Greek regions after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics and certain lifestyle factors of the study population. Anthropometric and clinical data were retrieved from medical history files of the women, including measured weight in the first weeks of pregnancy and right before delivery, and maternal perinatal outcomes. Women’s weights and heights were also measured 2–5 years postpartum by trained nutritionists. Non-adjusted and adjusted statistical analysis was performed to assess whether pre-pregnancy weight status was associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and maternal perinatal outcomes. Results: In pre-pregnancy, 17.5% of the women were overweight, and 4.9% were classified as obese. These rates were increased 2–5 years postpartum, reaching 21.0% for overweight and 9.6% for obese women. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were associated with older maternal age, higher prevalence of overweight/obesity at 2–5 years postpartum and nonexclusive breastfeeding, as well as increased rates for preterm birth and pregnancy-induced hypertension after multiple adjustments. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity rates were high among women of childbearing age in Greece. These findings highlight the urgent need for healthy lifestyle promotion and targeted obesity prevention and intervention schemes among women of reproductive age.

Racial Disparities in Neighborhood and Household Socioeconomic Disadvantage Predict Postpartum Weight Retention

Structural racism leads to neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage, which determines adverse birth outcomes. Individual socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with compromised healthy pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the pathways by which race, neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, and household socioeconomic disadvantage predict subsequent maternal postpartum weight retention. A total of 176 (N=176) racially diverse women were studied from the third trimester to 6 months after delivery. Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was defined by information from the American Community Survey based on women's census tract and self-reports of neighborhood healthy food availability, safety, violence, and walking environment. Household socioeconomic disadvantage included food insecurity, income-to-needs ratio, and maternal education. Pregnancy health risk was operationalized using a summative index that included prepregnancy overweight/obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and diagnosed hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Postpartum weight retention was operationalized as a 6-month postpartum weight minus prepregnancy weight. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with bootstrapped CIs to estimate indirect effects. One third of participants retained more than 22 lbs. of pregnancy weight gain 6 months after delivery. Increased household socioeconomic disadvantage (β=0.64, p=0.039) and pregnancy health risk (β=0.34, p=0.002) were directly associated with higher postpartum weight retention. Maternal race/ethnicity had an indirect impact on postpartum weight retention through neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and household socioeconomic disadvantage. Non-Hispanic Black women had greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage than non-Hispanic White women (White vs Black β= -0.62; p<0.001) and all other women (other vs Black β= -0.22; p=0.013). In addition, Black women had greater household socioeconomic disadvantage than White women (White vs Black β= -0.35; p=0.004), both of which in turn predicted higher postpartum weight retention. To prevent postpartum weight retention, education on behavior change to lose weight is essential, but it must be offered in the context of basic resources, at both the neighborhood and household levels.

Correlation between Maternal Weight Gain in Each Trimester and Fetal Growth According to Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Body Mass Index in Twin Pregnancies.

Background andObjectives: This study aimed to determine the correlation between maternal weight gain in each trimester and fetal growth according to pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index in twin pregnancies. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 500 twin pregnancies delivered at 28 weeks’ gestation or greater at a single tertiary center between January 2011 and December 2020. We measured the height, pre-pregnant body weight, and maternal body weight of women with twin pregnancies and evaluated the relationship between the maternal weight gain at each trimester and fetal growth restriction according to pre-pregnancy body mass index. Results: The overweight pregnant women were older than the normal or underweight pregnant women, and the risk of gestational diabetes was higher. The underweight pregnant women were younger, and the incidence of preterm labor and short cervical length during pregnancy was higher in the younger group. In normal weight pregnant women, newborn babies’ weight was heavier when their mothers gained weight, especially when they gained weight in the second trimester. Mothers’ weight gain in the first trimester was not a significant factor to predict fetal growth. The most predictive single factor for the prediction of small neonates was weight gain during 24–28 and 15–18 weeks, and the cutoff value was 6.2 kg (area under the curve 0.592, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In twin pregnancy, regardless of the pre-pregnant body mass index, maternal weight gain affected fetal growth. Furthermore, weight gain in the second trimester of pregnancy is considered a powerful indicator of fetal growth, especially in normal weight pregnancies.

Cesarean Section Delivery Does Not Impact Postpartum Weight Loss And Recovery

Inability to lose weight gained during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of becoming overweight or obese. Epidemiological studies have suggested that obesity is strongly associated with history of cesarean section (c-section) delivery. This association may be related to postpartum changes in physiological (e.g. physical activity) and behavioral (e.g. sleep) factors associated with weight loss. PURPOSE: To examine differences in postpartum body mass and factors related to weight loss between women who gave birth via c-section vs. vaginally. METHODS: Body mass was measured in 37 women (11 c-section [CD] and 26 vaginal [VD] delivery), at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Additionally, physiological factors (body composition (DXA), resting energy expenditure, and physical activity) and behavioral factors (sleep quality, fatigue, depression, and body image) related to weight loss were assessed at each time point. Self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and pregnancy weight gain were recorded and differences between CD and VD were assessed with student’s t-tests. Differences between CD and VD postpartum factors were assessed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between CD and VD groups in pre-pregnancy BMI (26.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 vs. 25.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2, p = 0.59, CD vs VD respectively), pregnancy weight gain (16.2 ± 5.2 kg vs. 14.4 ± 4.8 kg, p = 0.32, CD vs VD respectively), and body mass at delivery (86.3 ± 17.8 kg vs. 83.9 ± 13.8 kg, p = 0.67, CD vs VD respectively). At 12 months postpartum, similar weight loss occurred in both groups (14.3 ± 6.1 kg vs 13.8 ± 5.4 kg, p = 0.77, CD vs VD respectively). ANOVA analysis of the changes in physiological and behavioral factors related to weight loss over the postpartum period revealed no significant difference between CD and VD women. CONCLUSION: Despite potentially longer recovery time associated with c-section delivery, weight loss in the postpartum period was not impacted and therefore c-section delivery does not appear to be a risk factor for obesity.

Risk Factors Associated with Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Introduction: To determine the risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among pregnant women. Methods: In this study, we included 200 patients, 100 were those who were diagnosed with any HDP and 100 were control patients, who were pregnant and did not have any HDP. The study was conducted in Nishtar Hospital Multan from June-2021 to June-2022. Women having blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg was 20 weeks of gestation were labelled as having HDP. Risk factors of HDP were noted. Results: Mean age of patients was 28.45±8.45 years in cases and 30.41±9.61 years in controls. On univariate analysis, age &gt;35 years Univariate analysis was done to determine the risk factors of HDP. Age &gt;35 years (OR 3.63 (1.08-12.18), p-value 0.02), obesity (OR 3.16 (1.03-9.68), p-value 0.03), living in rural area (OR 2.26 (1.01-5.05), p-value of 0.04), nulliparity (OR 3.45 (1.22-9.75), p-value 0.016), positive family history of hypertension (OR 4.04 (1.21-13.43), p-value 0.017), twin pregnancy, lack of regular visit of antenatal clinics (OR 0.31 (0.12-0.95), p-value 0.02), Previous history of abortion (OR 9.33 (1.12-77.7), p-value 0.01), chronic hypertension (OR 4.5 (0.91-22.7), p-value 0.04). Conclusion: This study revealed rural lifestyle, old age, multiple pregnancy, and pre-pregnancy weight as independent risk factors. It is advised that health care providers employ these indicators as a screening tool for the prediction, early diagnosis, and timely intervention of pregnant hypertensive problems. Keywords: Gestational hypertension, Preeclampsia, Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Pre-pregnancy weight excess and body mass index: Analysis of three generations Brazilian birth cohort.

To evaluate the relationship between the grandmother's maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (first generation-G1), the BMI of the female members of the birth cohort of Pelotas/RS, Brazil, 1993 (second generation-G2) and the children of the cohort members (third generation-G3). a longitudinal study using data from the 1993 Pelotas/RS cohort. The maternal pre-pregnancy BMI of the mothers of the members (first generation-G1) was self-reported, and of the participants in the cohort (second generation-G2) was collected using weight and height in follow-ups prior to 22 years of age. Children from the third generation (G3) were included in this last follow-up (22 years) and anthropometric measurements were collected. The outcome was BMI-for-age z-score obtained using weight and height measures collected in every follow-up. Linear regression was performed with adjustment for possible confounding factors. The cohort's original sample consists of 5249 participants and 855 children (their first children). At 12 and 48 months, the average increase in BMI-for-age z-score of children of women with pre-pregnancy weight excess was 0.11 and 0.47 kg/m2 , respectively, increasing to around 0.60 kg/m2 in adolescence, reaching an average increase of 2.71 kg/m2 in BMI at 22 years of age. The G2 pre-pregnancy weight excess was also associated with G3 BMI-for-age z-score [β=0.43 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.21; 0.65)]. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight excess was associated with the child's BMI-for-age z-score, in both G2 and G3, suggesting a proximal relationship, with no association between G1 and G3.

Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and mental health problems in early adolescents from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort

Possible mechanisms by which maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) programs offspring mental disorders in late childhood are not fully clarified. To assess the association between maternal BMI and mental health problems at 11 years old, we used data from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort which comprised 4231 newborns. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was analyzed as underweight (< 18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obesity (≥ 30.0). Mental health problems were assessed at the child’s age of 11 years by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, total difficulties score and subscale scores (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems), dichotomized into normal/borderline and abnormal category. The associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and mental health problems in the whole sample and stratified by sex were estimated using crude and adjusted linear and logistic regression. Both linear and logistic regression showed that pre-pregnancy weight was associated with mental problems in early adolescents. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased odds of total difficulty score among the whole sample. Boys whose mothers were pre-pregnancy overweight had higher odds of conduct problems (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.95), when compared to children of normal pre-pregnancy weight mothers, even after adjustments. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with mental health problems in early adolescents; specifically, pre-pregnancy overweight increased the risk for conduct problems in 11 years old boys.

Processed Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy Are Associated with Low Birth Weight at Term among Women of Advanced and Non-Advanced Age.

Inappropriate dietary intake during pregnancy is a key factor in low birth weight (LBW). This study compares LBW between healthy and processed dietary patterns by focusing on women of advanced maternal age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 327 postpartum women in Taiwan. The participants were assigned to two groups according to their age (≥35 years, n = 151; and 20–34 years, n = 176). An online questionnaire asked women how often they consumed 27 food items during their pregnancy. The prevalence of LBW was higher in the processed dietary pattern (79.3%) than in the healthy pattern (13.78%, p < 0.001). LBW was positively correlated with advanced maternal age (≥35 ages), low pre-pregnancy weight (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2), insufficient gestational weight gain (GWG), and processed dietary patterns. Older mothers were 5.8 times more likely to have infants with LBW (odds ratio = 5.8; 95% confidence interval 2.0–16.6). A processed dietary pattern was 9.4 times more likely to result in LBW. Insufficient GWG was significantly positively associated with LBW (OR = 4.0; 95%CI 1.4–11.6). Maternal diet during pregnancy is an important modifiable factor for LBW. Prenatal advice should emphasize optimal nutrition, especially in older and underweight women.

Gestational weight gain in triplet pregnancies in the United States

The Institute of Medicine has published national recommendations for optimal pregnancy weight gain ranges for singletons and twins but not for higher-order multiples. A common clinical resource suggests weight gain targets for triplet pregnancies, but they are based on a single, small study conducted over 20 years ago. We sought to describe contemporary maternal weight gain patterns in triplet gestations in the United States, the weight gain patterns associated with good neonatal outcomes, and how these patterns compare with those of healthy twin pregnancies. We used data from 7705 triplet pregnancies drawn from the United States live birth and fetal death files (2012‒2018). We calculated total pregnancy weight gain as weight at delivery minus the prepregnancy weight. A good neonatal outcome was defined as delivery at ≥32 weeks' gestation of 3 liveborn infants weighing ≥1500 g with 5-minute Apgar scores of ≥3. We described the weight gain patterns of triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes by calculating week-specific percentiles of the total weight gain distribution for deliveries at 32 to 37 weeks' gestation. For comparative purposes, we plotted these values against the percentiles of a previously published weight gain chart for monitoring and evaluating twin pregnancies from a referent cohort. Most participants were over weight (26%) or obese (30%), and 42% were normal weight or underweight. The 50th percentile (25th-75th) of total weight gain in triplet pregnancies was 17 (11-23) kg. As the body mass index category increased, the total weight gain declined: underweight or normal weight, median 19 (14-25) kg; overweight, 17 (12-23) kg; obese, 14 (7.7-20) kg. Approximately 46% of triplet pregnancies had a good neonatal outcome (n=3562). For underweight or normal weight triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes, the 50th percentiles of weight gain at 32 weeks' and 36 weeks' gestation were 12.3 kg and 22.7 kg, respectively. The 10th and 90th percentiles were 12.3 kg and 32.7 kg, respectively, at 32 weeks, and 15.0 kg and 34.1 kg, respectively, at 36 weeks. Triplet pregnancies with prepregnancy overweight or obesity and a good neonatal outcome had lower weight gains. Compared with the reference values for pregnancy weight gain from a twin-specific weight gain chart, the median total weight gain in triplet pregnancies with good neonatal outcomes was approximately 3 to 5 kg more than twins, regardless of body mass index. Our study fills an important gap in understanding how much weight gain can be expected among triplet pregnancies by body mass index category. These descriptive data are a necessary first step to inform science-based triplet gestational weight gain guidelines. Additional research is needed to determine whether monitoring triplet pregnancy weight gain is useful for promoting healthy outcomes for pregnant individuals and children and what targets should be used to optimize maternal and neonatal health.